Fandom The Farmhouse Dream { The Last of Us 1x1 with icedthemoon }

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Was Ezekiel worried. Short answer. Yes. Was he worried anywhere near as much as Kaiden? No, but he also did not know Kai’s parents nearly as well. He had only known them in person for a short while and through conversation with Kai and Theo a little while before that. It was not too long. He was, however, long enough for him to know that Hayden was the kind of person not to break routines if at all possible. That was worrisome. Ezekiel could not look worried, though. Kai was already too worried for the both of them. He turned and grasped his cheeks so that he could reach out for the full attention of his love. “Breathe. If they were messing with his leg earlier, he could be tired, so they could be moving slower than they expected. They could be waiting on Soren and Jacob. They could be with them. They could be a lot of things.” He listened around them for anything that could give them a clue. “We could sit down and start eating or we could go look for them.” Carlos grinned like he had the best day in his life, and that might be because he felt that way in the moment. “It was lovely.” He beckoned them all to the table. “Was your day with your other love as beautiful as ours?” Asher, deciding to ignore that, also sat at the table. “We got it all out. Come sit with me, lovebug. I missed you.” Theo decided that he was stealing Alex and Nate because they were too fun to have around and not have them with him.

Hayden shook his head. “You are a charmer, you know that? This is why you had so many suitors. Do you know how many people I had to let down gently in high school for you? That was so hard for me too.” He did not miss that part of himself. “It was so much easier when everyone knew.” He sighed and finally nodded. “Alright, let’s go to dinner. We have to feed you to keep you so strong and handsome.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Kaiden could feel himself getting more and more worried, but he tried so hard not to show it either. He looked up at Ezekiel when he felt hands grasping his cheeks. His brown eyes locked on his love and heard him. Deep breaths, right. If they were messing with his leg, that very well could make them slow, but dad would've left sooner if that was the case. For twenty six years, Hayden was never late for anything. "Right. Okay. Um. Let's.. uh sit down. I'm sure they're just slower." He agreed, though the worry was still evident in his eyes. Kaleb chuckled, smiling at that and followed him to the table. "Our day was wonderful." Kaleb agreed as he looked at Asher. Jordan chuckled, and nodded. "I missed you too gorgeous." He said, sitting down beside Asher, legs brushing. Alex moved with Theo, and sat so he could sit beside Ezekiel once they finally made it to the table.

Josh chuckled softly hearing that and shook his head. "I didn't know that, I feel so bad for you having to do that." Josh said as he kissed him again. "Right, I'm sure we've worried our son enough now." He added with a chuckle, moving off Hayden's lap and stood, hand out for his husband with a warm smile on his face. "We need to feed you too, keep you strong and healthy for that surgery."​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Neither of them thought that this was very likely, but there was not much else that they could do. Ezekiel agreed that sitting down and starting to eat was for the best, but that did not negate the part where they were still going to worry. He hoped that getting some food in that stomach would give him energy and therefore make him feel a little better. That worked for a lot of people. Also, it may distract Kai enough for when his parents did finally come in. “Look, they already have our food here. There are perks to having your large family around all the time.” He smiled and led him to the table where Theo was immediately talking about today’s food choices. Ezekiel sat by Alex, keeping one hand on Kai’s leg to remind him that he was there. Carlos started shoveling down food which did not stop him from talking. “Hey, so Jordan and I were talking about maybe all of us going to this nearby museum whenever we are all legal and not under probation. All of us. What does everyone think?” Asher, who hook his foot around the back of Jordan’s as he ate. “You mean the one we were going to go to?”

Hayden took Josh’s hand and hefted himself up and off the couch. He did not like worrying Kai, but he was amused by the idea of letting Kai know how Hayden had felt for the entirety of Kaiden’s life. Besides, as much as they joked, Hayden was not sure he could do this very often. It made him nervous. Anxious. All sorts of bad. He could move at a decent speed since they had rested. It was probably about normal walking speed for the average person. It was slow for what Hayden always wanted. “What do you think he’s going to do when we get there?”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Kaiden smiled a little bit, nodding. "Yes, it appears there are perks to a large family." He agreed, seeing that smile on his partners face that he loved seeing. As they sat down, he felt the hand still on his leg and pressed it against Ezekiel's leg as they started eating, he constantly looked from his food to the door, waiting, worrying. Alex looked at his brother and the moment he was sitting, cleared his throat a little. "I heard you made this large table." Alex said, as he took a bite of food. Kaleb chuckled, hearing Carlos as he talked and he tiled his head. "Museum?" Kaleb asked, watching them. Jordan felt the foot hooked around the back of his foot and glanced at Asher. "Yes, is that.. okay for all of us to go? Or would you rather you and I go first alone?" Jordan asked, watching his love as he ate.

Josh smiled as he helped Hayden get off the couch. He squeezed his hand as they headed towards the door. "I think we're going to get yelled at, probably get mad eyes and that's just from Kai. You know he's not by himself anymore, so I'm not sure if we'll any thing from anyone else, his partner included." Josh said as he opened the door for them to head outside.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Ezekiel turned his attention to Alex, never moving his hand or leg from pressing against Kai. “I did,” he answered with a grin. He may not have loved having so many people around all the time, but he was proud that he could do this for this family that so graciously took him in. He was, after all, not only an outsider but also one of their enemy. The enemy that slaughtered many of their friends and family as well. “I thought it was only fair since we do tend to keep growing.” Asher glanced at Kaleb and Carlos and then everyone else down their long table before looking back at Jordan and gently shook his head. “That’s okay. I don’t mind sharing you and the museum.” He chuckled once. “It’s a group date instead, which is very fitting for you anyway, lovebug.” He looked back at Carlos. “You too. It does sound silly to think that we would ever do anything just the two of us.”

Hayden closed the door behind them. “I’m sure we will be. I don’t know how Ezekiel is going to handle it. He’s been careful around us. That is honestly commendable, and I appreciate it.” Due to the nature of their relationship, Hayden had a hard time with anyone being there with Kai. No one was ever good enough for his little boy, though, this one did make him happy. He also meant that Hayden saw a whole lot less of his son, but maybe that was a good thing. Maybe that was what they all needed. “Theo is not likely to get too mad.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Alex smiled at Ezekiel and nodded as he looked at the others. "I'm glad you found somewhere where your talents are made useful." He said, as he looked at the large family. "I can see that, although I'd love to catch up with you, do you have any free time tomorrow?" Alex asked looking at him. Jordan smiled at Asher as he saw him shake his head. "Thank you gorgeous, and you'll see. A group date with our big family is such a good idea." He said, his eyes lighting up as he thought about it. Kaleb had heard of museums but he'd never been in one before. "I think a group date to the museum sounds wonderful, I can't wait to see it." Kaleb said as he ate.

Josh looked at Hayden and chuckled. "You know it's because he's honestly scared by you?" Josh asked as they walked. "Kaiden is your little boy, so you've said about a million times in the last twenty six years, and he probably thinks he's not good enough or something." Josh added as they walked towards the cafeteria. "And no, Theo would probably be too busy eating and hanging out with everyone, especially the new ones, to be mad."​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

As he ate, he shrugged. “I can have free time tomorrow. I can take you to the shop and show you where I make it. And how in case you ever wanted to know.” He nudged Kai both to bring him into the conversation and to distract him from his inevitable spiral into worry. “Kaiden. My love. Are you patrolling with Theo tomorrow?” Even if he wasn’t Ezekiel could find some time for them to catch up. Asher never thought he was one for the large group outings, but he had been proven wrong. “I am going to watch you and Carlos do something stupid, aren’t I?” He looked at Kaleb. “Alright, I like this group date idea.”

Hayden eyed him from the side. “Scared of me? If he should be scared of anyone, it should be you. Or Kaiden honestly. There isn’t anything that I can do to him.” Except for scare the living daylights out of him when they were late to dinner. Much like how Hayden and Josh were late to dinner today. Was this a good idea? He wondered as much as they made it to the cafeteria.
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Alex nodded as he heard that, his smile getting bigger on his face. "I like that idea and I'd love to see where you make it." Alex agreed, thinking about it and happy to spend time with his brother once more. Kai felt the nudge and blinked, not having realized that he'd been zoning out and blinked, looking at his partner. "Hmm? Oh uh no. I think we have tomorrow off." Kaiden said as his mind pulled free from the worrying. Until he saw the door open. Jordan chuckled and grinned. "Us? Do something stupid? Nope. No we would never do that right beautiful?" Jordan asked, glancing at Carlos while Kaleb chuckled. "Me too." He said with a grin. Josh looked at Hayden and saw him eying him. "You try hard baby, but you are still overprotective and even if you can't do anything physically, we all know what you can do if you want to." He said as he pulled the door open. "After you my love." Josh said with a wink.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Ezekiel sighed at Kai’s clear lack of focus on the conversation. “We were thinking about-“ but Kai was already looking back at the door and Ezekiel shook his head. He looked back at Alex. “Well, I think you should definitely come. It’s not just me, but I think it’s mostly me now. They’re all a lot older, so I do the bulk of the work.” He was not good at showing it, but he really was excited to have Alex around again. He missed his brother so much. “I can show you the table I’ve been working on for-“ His eyes slid to the two who had come in. Oh. His words dropped away and he could not help but stare as Hayden walked towards the table with Josh. His jaw set, and he tried his hardest not to be angry. There was a good reason for this. It was fine. Hayden was not sure that he believed Josh completely. Well, he believed that he was still overprotective. Last week was proof enough of that. He was trying so hard not to be that dad, but he was clearly not doing such a great job of it. He smiled as they reached the table. “Good evening, boys.” And he sat down like this was normal and not at all concerning. Carlos and Asher were not aware that this was a problem brewing and just kept on with what they were doing. “Nope, we have never done anything stupid in our lives.” Asher rolled his eyes. “That is a lie and we all know it.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Kaiden knew he wasn't focused on anything other than the door, in an eerily similar fashion a few years ago to Hayden when Kai never showed up to dinner. He clenched his teeth as he saw his parent's come in, and he heard Ezekiel's words stop then too. He watched with sharp brown eyes as Hayden walked up, nonchalant and sat down. "Where have you been father?" Kaiden asked, his voice sharp and a little cold, probably bordering on angry if he thought about it, and his body was rigid. He also called Hayden father, which was a term he usually used when he was upset or angry as well. All signs that he was not happy with his dad. Alex sensed the change in atmosphere even as he agreed that he'd love to see the table that his brother was working on. Kaleb looked at Carlos then at Asher and snorted a laugh, shaking his head. "Yeah, you've totally never done anything stupid. Like falling through a two story hole because you were chasing each other." Kaleb said with a grin.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Hayden expected this. He knew that their choice was going to cause a problem. It was a little entertaining though. He was feeling moderately righteous. It was a terrible way to feel. “At home, son,” he answered calmly. A smile played at his lips. “Resting.” Sure. “I do apologize for our lateness. It can be a bit… worrisome can’t it?” He took a bite. “Thank you for grabbing our dinner. I appreciate that very much.” Ezekiel was going to be cool about this, and then Hayden decided to act like this wasn’t a big deal, and he had a much harder time at being cool. He was not sure he could confront Hayden though. So he looked at Josh. “Resting? Did you lose track of time?” He also had a edge of his fury that he tried so hard to keep from coming apart. Carlos laughed. “No, no, that wasn’t stupid!” he insisted. “That was fun. Until it wasn’t. And then it was terrifying. And then it was heartbreaking. But it was certainly never stupid.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Kaiden bit his lip as he heard that calm answer, saw that smile playing on his dad's lips. He thought he'd break his teeth with how tight he had them clenched, and his jaw was definitely going to hurt later. He refused to speak again, but to ground himself, his hand went to his partner's leg, holding it as he ate. A fire danced in his eyes as he looked away. He didn't want to start anything around their family, they did not deserve that. Josh looked at Ezekiel, with a rather level-headed gaze. "Yes, we lost track of time. It can be.. very tiring for us older folk to be around such.. energetic young adults." Josh said, not allowing himself to react to the edge of fury in his son's partner's tone. He wanted to though, the soldier inside him clawed to come out and defend their choice to be late. Kaleb shook his head at that comment. "It was stupid, and not fun. It was dangerous! You could've been killed. Though I have to admit, when we stopped for the night, seeing you two all curled up together was rather adorable." Kaleb said, a smile on his face​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

The fact that Kaiden didn’t answer was a certain level of gratifying after all those years trying to keep him in line. A part of him did feel bad. After all those years of potentially making poor Kai’s life miserable every time he was late, they made it miserable again with their own tardiness. He decided to eat and not worry about it. Ezekiel, far less level-headed than he would like to pretend that he was, grabbed Kai’s hand that was on his leg and squeezed it far too tightly for it to be grounding. “Energetic. Young. Adults?” This got the attention of Theo as well. He had heard this kind of angry in the former Seraphite plenty of times. Of course, it was significantly less often now that he was not nearly as angry with Kai. Honestly, had they ever seen him angry with anyone else? Theo glanced at Alex, because if anyone else knew where this could potentially go, it was him. “So,” Ezekiel continued, “you are becoming senile in your old age?” Carlos and Asher were still mostly unaware of the other side of the table. “Everything is dangerous, my love. Everything can kill us. Thankfully, we are far too pretty to die like that. If we were going to die, it certainly wasn’t to falling through a hole.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Kaiden felt the hand take his hand and felt the squeeze, it was a lot more tighter than he was expecting. And it was certainly wasn't for grounding. He heard that kind of angry in his partner's voice before but it used to be pointed at him. Josh flicked his gaze at Ezekiel, his teeth clenched slightly. "Watch your words." Josh bit out as Alex looked at Theo, paying a lot more attention to the two now. "Because this old man can still do many things." He added, his own words holding some anger in it. Two men defending their partner's choices. Two men that were soldiers, warriors.. This really could not go well at all. Kaleb shook his head as he heard that and laughed, though he could sense something going on on the other side of the table. He turned to look down the table, watching the others. "Yeah, you are too pretty to die like that.." Kaleb said, a little distracted as Jordan sighed.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Ezekiel’s nostrils flared, sensing a similar type of anger to the one that he had grown so accustomed to within Kai. Similar but not the same. It was not this father that had the deadly anger that Kaiden inherited. “I have no doubt that this is true. Perhaps you can add checking the time to your repertoire. That is if you are capable of doing so.” He may regret that later, but in that moment, all he could think was that this was unfair to Kaiden. Hayden snapped his head up and raised a hand. “Boys. This is not a discussion that we will be having.” This was not negotiable. He looked from Ezekiel, who visibly recoiled, to Josh. “This is not the time or place.” Ezekiel didn’t like that either. “You mean like how you choose dinner as the place to scold us?” Theo groaned. They had been doing so well too. It was so like Ezekiel to be a fire starter. It had been quite a while, too. Now the rest of the table was starting to notice. It was hard not to when the tension was so palpable. Asher nudged Jordan and gestured silently that way. Carlos looked as well.
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Kai looked at Ezekiel, seeing the nostrils flare and then he heard Josh snort, hearing those words. Oh boy. Kai also saw his dad snap his head up and heard the words, as well as saw Ezekiel visibly recoil. Josh didn't pay much attention to Hayden's words and his attention turned to Ezekiel again. "Should we move this discussion outside young man?" Josh asked, his voice harsh as he fed right into the anger. Kaiden didn't like this, and while he knew that his dad was overprotective, he had a feeling this was going to lead to a fight between the two men. Kaleb, Jordan and everyone else were paying attention now to the two.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

“Joshua.” Hayden’s voice was harsh. It was powerful. “We are not having this discussion inside or outside.” Ezekiel, who was momentarily set back by the fear of Hayden, was no longer there. “There is never a time or place for such a discussion,” he fumed. “It is always how Hayden wants it or not at all. Am I understanding that correctly, sir?” He was speaking to Josh. Josh may not have been the one who was the reason for their constant fear of being late, but he was the one who was actively antagonizing him. Hayden set his utensil down. So choosing to be late did in fact cause a disturbance. He had not expected it to be so bad with Kai’s partner.
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Josh heard that harsh voice, but the downside for Hayden was he had his own voice too. He ignored his partner for the first time in a while and focused on Ezekiel, hearing his words and his eyes flashed. "You have no idea what he's gone through, and I will not sit here and listen to this." Josh said, his tone just as harsh and cold, years of being a general coming out in his voice. "If you want to discuss this, then we shall. Right here if you so want to." Josh added. Kai looked between all of them and bit his lip, this wasn't exactly how he thought dinner would go, and he was torn between defending his fathers and defending his partner.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

“I most certainly do.” There was nothing more that Ezekiel wanted than to speak his mind about this. His eyes flicked to Hayden who was sitting there clearly uncomfortable with how this was going and then back to Josh. In the end, the officer mentality was something that angered him more than anything else. Acting as though one was superior made him lose sight of just about everything else. There was Josh being the picture of exactly that. “Shall we begin with your inability to be on time?” He slammed his own utensil down, which was probably for the best. “Or is that only something that is important for the energetic young adults to have? Correct me if I am wrong, and you know that I am not accustomed to your ways as the inferior island boy, but would this not be a double standard?”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Josh almost felt himself grin at that comment, and he heard that slamming of his utensil down on the table. He clenched his teeth as he glared at Ezekiel, feeling himself getting angrier. "We are allowed to be late, we have age and seniority on our side. You do not get to be late, you should know that having been a warrior that being late is wrong." Josh snapped. "Even you on your island should've known that." He added, slamming his own utensil down. "The one time we decide to be late, you get angry. Is that not a double standard either? We cannot be late as you cannot be late." Josh's voice never got rid of the harsh tone. "Maybe you should grow up a little more and not let two old men being late get you so.. fired up."​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

There were many things in Josh’s words that made Ezekiel more than furious. Many. But one changed everything, “So you decided to be late.” This was not a question. This was an accusation. He looked at Hayden, unable to contain that part of him any longer. “You spend twenty six years micromanaging his life, refusing to allow him the grace of being five minutes late to a dinner that is only so strict because you cannot let him go, attacking him and us when we do not meet your entirely too stringent schedule, attacking me because I am not exactly who you think would be perfect for your precious baby-“ He paused a moment, staring at the man who called himself Kai’s dad. “Is anyone good enough for you, or would you prefer that he was alone and unhappy so that you could still cradle him in your arms?” He snapped his attention back to Josh. “And you, sir, are not my leader. You are not my superior. I am not a warrior anymore. And even if you were, you, despite your age and your seniority, should still abide by the same rules and regulations as everyone else otherwise I believe that would be an abuse of your power.” He looked back at Hayden and then Josh. “Which, if I recall correctly, is exactly what he’s known for doing, especially when he is being overprotective over your grown adult son.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Joshua heard that accusation and his eyes narrowed, and saw Ezekiel look at Hayden, before he heard his words. Was Ezekiel wrong in his words? In any of them? No. Unfortunately he was very much right. And it was a conversation he'd had several times before with Hayden in private, but to hear that accusation during dinner among their family made Josh's eyes flash. "You're right. I'm not your superior, I am not your leader but I am his husband, I am your partner's father. And I will not stand here and allow you to be so accusatory towards him for things in the past." Josh snapped as he stood up, his fingers digging into the wood table. "Now stand down child" He added, watching Ezekiel with fury and fire in his eyes.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

“Child.” That was familiar. “This is how you treat your children. I should not be surprised that you would be so harsh.” He stared up at his adversary. “I have heard far too many stories not to know that as truth.” He too stood up then. All eyes in this cafeteria were on them. “I will not continue to be submissive simply because I love your son. Were you not the one who defended him from your husband when he refused him status of adult? Do not think that you are better than that if you are going to continue to treat us this way. If you want to be late, that is fine, but it is not fine to do so willingly and knowing that it will do nothing but worry and hurt him. You may be angry at me. You can take all of your frustration out on me. Do not take it out on him.” Then he sat back down. Hayden had had enough. “Joshua, please sit down.” He was not sure who to be upset with. One of them, Kai, or himself. “Kai, I’m sorry that we worried you. I really am. Ezekiel, this is my fault. I am the one who chose to be later. Josh. Please.”
​

 

[EquineGurl23]

Alexander Brennan, Kaleb Price, Jordan DeShay, Kaiden Lachlan, Elijah Lewis and Cameron Harris (and the Smith Clan)
Former Seraphite, Former FEDRA officer, Former Smuggler, Former WLF, Former Seraphite, Former Firefly | 19, 27, 30, 26, 27, 23 | Current location ;; Wyoming

Joshua's teeth clenched as his fingers dug further into the wood. He heard him, and then his breath was pushed out of him, listening to Ezekiel. That was exactly what they did wasn't it? Chose to be late and make their son worry. He had defended Kai when Hayden was going to refuse him being an adult. He watched Ezekiel sit back down and then he heard Hayden's voice. He sat down then, a hand going to Hayden's leg as an apology. A silent one. He wasn't going to apologize just yet out loud. Kaiden looked at Hayden, and swallowed hard. "It's fine." He whispered, looking down at his plate where he pushed around the food. He wasn't hungry anymore. "I'm going to take a walk." Kai said, standing up before looking at Theo. "You can have my food bud." He added and turned to walk to the doors. He was embarrassed, he was upset, and he needed to walk. To run like he used to.​

 

[icedthemoon]

Nathaniel Matthews, Carlos Price, Asher McCoy, Ezekiel Finch, Theophilus Sharpe, and Emmett Adler (and the Smith Clan)
Former Firefly, Aspiring Artist, Former Hunter, Former Seraphite, Former WLF, Former Firefly | 21, 25, 32, 29, 25, 24 | Current location ;; Wyoming

This had been a bad idea. A horrible idea. He should never have decided to be a little later. For what? For some kissing? To prove a point? Was there even a point. Hayden felt ashamed. The whole room was so quiet now. It was not fine, and he knew it. Ezekiel watched as Kai left, yelling out, “Kaiden!” He did this for him. Was he upset with him too? He was going to follow. He began to stand, but Theo shook his head. “Don’t man.” Instead, he stood up and ran after him. “He knew Kai better than just about anyone. They were best friends. Brothers. And if Kai was going to run no one else could keep up with him other than Theo.
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